Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-12-07
Judge Francis 7. Anderson.


of its history during memorable epoch
They were performed with clear and
precise comprehension of law, and with
firmness of decision. Though retiring IN
manner, the enunciation Of his views were
thorough and able, and displayed by l'gl-
cal deductions well-stored mind IN me
science of law and the genious OF our INST
buttons and structure of our Government
He entered upon the duties as member OF
the Supreme Court in January 1871, and
filed the full term of twelve years. since
that ended, he has been in retirement, de-
voting portion of his time to giving atten-
ton to his large property-interests, but
never ceaslng, as was his manner since the
dawn of manhood, to feel and act at all
times for the best interests Of the people
and society. Blessed with general good
health for one of his advanced age, with no
apparent interruption in the tranquil How
of life's current, he quietly passed the gates
of death, at his home, in Lexington, during
the early morning of the 30lh ultimo in the
80th year of his age.
A recital of some of the events in the
history of Judge Anderson's life is not only
appropriate, when called to announce the
death of so good and SO pure man, who
was ever patriotic and true to principle and
to the right, but they are also eminently
instructive to the youth of the country, for
they teach an early conception of duty and
illustrate many distinguishing character
istics worthy of emulation.
He matriculated at Washington College
in 1926, and was graduated with honors in
1928. Many of his class, graduating at
the same time, became distinguished men
in Virginia and in other States-in the pull
pit, at the bar, and on the bench. Among
those who became eminent jurists were K
F. Caruthers, J. D. Davidson, Jno NJ
Johnston and VIM. Lyle Keys; and in letters
and science, Socrates Maupin and Alex
Moseley, and Col. Jno. T. L. Preston, the
last the only survivor. Mr.. Moseley did
not graduate at Washington College, but
did subsequently, at the University OF Vir-
ginia. Peter II. Golladay, of Augusta
county, and D. H. Finley were Presby-
terian ministers of wide reputation.
After leaving college, Judge Anderson
studied with Fleming B. Miller, an eminent
lawyer of that day in Fincastle, and soon
reached distinction in his profession, which
be pursued with great. industry till 1859,
when he became the owner Of the Glen
wood estate on James river q superior iron
property, where he engaged in its manu-
facture, his residence being thus changed to
Rockbridge county.
In 1882, and just after he had commenced
the practice of law, bis advent on the politi-
cal theatre occurred, which was at re
1narkable period in tile history OF parties
and the country. The opponents of Gen.
eral Jacksons administration before that
time were known as members of what was
called the "National Republican parity
A National Convention of that party had
been held previously at Baltimore, and Mr..
Clay, designated the leader, was then
nominated Cor the Presidency with John
Sergeant, of Pennsylvania. for Fice-Presi-
dent. Hon. A H. FL. Stuart was mem
Der of that Convention from Virginia.
Following this movement, State Conven-
ton was called in Virginia, which Assem-
bled in the Presbyterian Church in Staun-
ton on the 18th July, 1889. Judge Ander-
III, then not twenty-four years of age;
was delegate from Botetourt county, and
then the opposition to General Jackson's
administration rallied under the name of
Wing, with Henry Clay the leader
Charles James Faulkner was the President,
and Richard Fl. Toler, the editor Of the
Lynchourg pirginian, was Secretary. II
would be interesting to furnish the long
list of the members of that body, the asso-
ciates with whom the young patriot from
Botetourt was 10 council at that important
time. Hon. A. II. H. Stuart was a men,
Der, and since Judge Anderson's death, is
the only servivoF of shet assemblage of men
who before and afterwards figured SO prom
inently in the history of the State and the
country.
Judge Anderson participated III the de-
bate opposing several resolutions which Mr..
John Jaupey, of Loudouu county, had pre-
sented. The aim Ct TIE resolutions APP
pears to have been directed against Mr..
Calhoun's views, who was then, also, ia
opposition to the administration and Mr..
Anderson, in discussing and opposing them.
declined to consider them further than as to
the effect they would have in repelling sup
port, whilst the policy TO be pursued should
be conserv alive, accommodating strength as
the movement progressed. Along with
Stuart, Toler, Faulkner, Janney, Harper,
Moore and a host of patriots, he was at the
christening of the WING party, the princi-
pies and policy of which he maintained till
the war between the States, when red
battle stamped his foot and nations felt the
shock"
Botetourt county was in the Hreenbrier
Congressional district. In 1S47 William
Ballard Preston, Wing, defeated Cen
eral A. A. Chapman, Democrat, the former
member of Congress. MIR. Preston was
made Secretary of the Navy in General
Taylor's Cabinet in 1S49, and consequently
was not a candidate for reelection. The
Democrats nominated the yourg and popu-
lar Henry &. Edmundson, of Roanoke. Mr..
Anderson was nominated by tho Wings,
and after long canvass over that district
which reached from nsar the North Caro-
lima line to Pocahoptas county, and from
Botetourb TO the Kentucky line, Colonel
Edmundson was elected, the Wings losing
that year the Richmond, The Pittsylyania,
and several other districts which had been
carried in l247 under the reaction which
came about against the Democrats, because
Of the effort made by that party to super
sede Generals Taylor and Scott 10 Mexico |
by the appointment Of Mr. Benton to su-
perior military rank,
Previously, Judge Anderson iiad .eprs |